Angelica Johanson graduated from Hoonah High School in 1987 and attended Mesa College in Grand Junction, Colo. for one year before marrying her high school sweetheart in 1988 and having three boys.

“I worked part-time while the boys were younger and when our youngest was about 13, I decided to go back to school myself, as well as working full-time for the state of Alaska,” she said.

Johanson and her family like to call Alaska home.

“My husband is in the U.S. Coast Guard and we have spent most of our adult lives in Southeast Alaska,” she said. “I was born in Anchorage, but consider Juneau my hometown since I have spent most of my life in Southeast.”

“I chose to attend UAS for several reasons,” Johanson said of her decision to get her degree in Juneau. “It is the local university, has a good reputation, and the distance program made it all possible since I work full time as well. I work in human resources so it was a natural fit.”

Johanson has been impressed with the distance program and the positive interactions that result from these classes.

“During one class I took a few semesters ago, there were two other people in my office taking the same class,” she said. “Being able to work on a team with them and having that face-to-face interaction was a lot of fun and a good learning experience.” she said.

Johanson said she is thankful to all of her professors.

“I am very grateful to be given this honor and am thankful for all the support my instructors have given me over the last five years.”

Graduation will allow Johanson more free time to do what she enjoys.

“I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, digital scrapbooking, Middle Eastern dance, and gardening,” she said. “All of which I am glad to have time for now that I have completed my degree.”